Cultivating A Brighter Future: How India‘s Organic Farming Policies Are Changing Agriculture?

Due to the rapid population growth, the demand for food consumption increased so much that the Green Revolution took place. Crop productivity increased with the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. However, these practices polluted the lives of people via the use of soil, air and water. As a result of the environment degrading, soil fertility diminished and consumers accepted eco-friendly ways of farming.

What Is Organic Farming Promotion Policy?

Organic farming is a basic agricultural system that uses fertilisers of organic origin– green manure, and places emphasis on techniques such as crop rotation for better soil quality as well as protecting the environment.

In India, organic farming is very cost-effective, that is to say, one does not need expensive fertilisers and seeds of high yield. With its healthy, good-taste properties, there are large local markets for natural quality produce locally as well as international markets right across the world. Soil management is the primary mode of organic cultivation used in India.

The union government offers assistance to Indian farmers to encourage organic farming all over the country under different government schemes. The Minister of State for Agriculture points out that what these schemes emphasise is for Indian organic farmers all end-to-end support: from production, through processing, certification and marketing to postharvest management joint support, even though it goes so far as to process things which reduces the cost of organic products.

Organic Farming Promotion Policy

Here is the list of organic farming promotion policies:

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

Promotes cluster-based organic farming, a change from conventional farming. In support of cluster formation, training, certification and marketing under the PKVY, 100 financial assistance is provided. The assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare for 3 years is provided directly to farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer(DBT) out of which 62 per cent (Rs 31,000) is given as an incentive to a farmer towards organic inputs. Financial assistance of Rs.20 Lakh per cluster of 1,000 hectares for 3 years is provided for value addition and infrastructure creation.

Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region

The Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region, or MOVCDNER, aims at promoting third-party certified organic farming of niche crops of the northeast region through Farmer Producer Organisations with a focus on exports. The assistance of Rs 25,000 per hectare for three years is provided for organic inputs including organic manure, and bio-fertilizers among other inputs. The scheme also provides support measures for the creation of FPOs, capacity building, and post-harvest infrastructure up to Rs 2 crore.

Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CISS) under Soil Health Management Scheme

Under this scheme, the state government and state agencies will get 100 per cent assistance for setting up mechanised plants for the production of compost from fruit and vegetable waste and agricultural waste up to a maximum amount of 190 lakh per plant

(3000 TPA total capacity per year). The assistance of up to 33 per cent of the cost up to a maximum of 63 lakhs per unit as capital investment is also provided to individuals and private institutions.

National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)

For such components as biofertilizers, Rhizobium culture, Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB), Zinc Solubilising Bacteria (ZSB), Azotobacter, Mycorrhiza, and vermicompost, The Mission provides a 50% subsidy of up to Rs300 per hectare. These components can boost the fertility of the soil, increase uptake for whatever crop you are growing and are friendly to Mother Earth.

Rhizobium culture assists in nitrogen oscillation. PSB or ZSB provide plants with a direct source of phosphorus and zinc. Mycorrhiza helps roots increase their surface area, therefore absorbing more nutrients; vermicompost adds organic matter to the soil. Such practices all contribute to higher crop yields as well as a better environment.

National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

In the National Food Security Mission 50 per cent of the cost limited to Rs 300 per hectare is provided as financial assistance for promoting biofertilizers. India has the 9th position and it has 1.94 million certified agricultural lands in the year 2018-19.

Benefits Of The Organic Farming Schemes

Reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides by increasing the availability and improving the quality of biofertilizers, and biopesticides.

• Convert organic waste into plant nutrient resources and prevent pollution.

• Sustainable, profitable and respectable agriculture by improving soil fertility to ensure quality products.

• Ensure soil and water conservation and guarantee nutritional and agricultural biosecurity.

• Ensure a farmer-controlled domestic market for organic products.

• Avoid the use of agrochemicals and ensure chemical-free water, soil, air and food.

• Ensure seed and food sovereignty and promote biodiversity-based organic agriculture.

• Ensure quality control of organic inputs and promote human health by providing safe organic products

• Preserve and expand traditional knowledge of organic farming.

Conclusion

India tops in terms of several farmers engaged in natural farming practices and stands 9th in area under organic farming among 172 countries. While the organic farmer has rotating crops, planting throughout the year to maintain biodiversity and the health of the soil. This opens up the potential for year-round employment, revitalised local communities and reinvigorated global trade that can enhance their income.

For any queries or grievances, please contact the Department of Fertilisers here.